No-Air Tires? Michelin Tweel Plant Opens This Week

 

Michelin is set to open a new factory dedicated to producing their latest innovation: the Michelin X Tweel airless radial tire.

 

What is Tweel, you ask? Well, Tweel is the very definition of a game-changing innovation when it comes to the tire-and-wheel industry. Tweel is an all-in-one wheel-and-tire solution that—instead of using air—utilizes high-strength poly-resin spokes that carry the load and absorb impacts. According to Michelin, the Tweel performs like a pneumatic tire, but without the risk of a flat—and it’s maintenance-free.

 

Ready to slap a set of Tweels on your X5? Unfortunately, there are no automotive fitments offered yet—but we can’t help but wonder if these innovative wheels might make their way onto an X Series vehicle as on OE fitment one day. It’s probably just a coincidence that the factory is located only 23 miles from the BMW Plant in Spartanburg, where the X3, X4, X5, X6, and soon the X7 are made—or is it?

 

The possibilities seem endless with the new technology. Could this also make its way into the motorsports arena? Time will tell.

 

The new Michelin Tweel factory is located in Piedmont, South Carolina, just 15.9 miles from their North American headquarters in Greenville. The new factory will be producing Tweel tires initially for zero-turn commercial mowers and skid-steer loaders. The official opening is planned for Thursday, November 20, with Michelin executives, media, and Greenville County officials in attendance.—Chris Hennecy

 

Watch the Michelin X Tweel in Action.

 

Michelin® X® TWEEL® SSL Comparison Tests

 

 

 

MICHELIN® X® TWEEL® TURF™ Overview

 

 

 

To learn more about Michelin Tweel Technology visit: http://www.michelintweel.com/index.html